San Diego among 2 finalists to host 2017 America's Cup

San Diego is one of two finalists to host the next America's Cup sailing race, the America's Cup Event Authority (ACEA) announced Tuesday.

The island of Bermuda is the other venue being considered as the site of the 35th America's Cup in 2017.

“Both Bermuda and San Diego have made very compelling cases to be the host for the next America’s Cup,” Russell Coutts, ACEA director, said in a statement. “We will be in good hands with either venue.”

San Diego hosted the Cup in 1988, 1992 and 1995. But, unlike those three events that were held in the Pacific Ocean, organizers are proposing a race course in San Diego Bay, offering incredible viewing opportunities for spectators along the city’s waterfront.

To advance the venue selection process over the coming months, the America’s Cup Event Authority will work closely with both venues to finalize logistics requirements and commercial opportunities, as well as to establish the needed relationships with private and public entities to ensure a successful event.

The host city for the next America’s Cup will be announced by the ACEA before the end of this year.